Things are looking pretty bleak for the DC Universe, with humans being kept in pens to provide food for the super-powered vampires that have taken over the world – and the ever-dwindling forces of good are struggling to survive. Those forces for good include some former villains; strange times make for strange bedfellows, but can there be a glimmer of hope from an even more unexpected source?

Despite some inconsistent issues leading up to the final few issues of this 12 issue series – with spin-off issues being set up and some confusing storytelling as a result – part nine is something of a return to form. Both the art and writing seem to be back on track, with more than one fantastic twist and a dialling back on the attempt to cover the sprawling cast. Instead, a few major characters get a chance to really shine, with Oliver Queen – aka Green Arrow – so far proving himself to be the MVP of the series so far.

Though the bloated, boring and inconsistent second act threatened to derail the series altogether, issue 9 instead gives me hope that we’re building to a really strong finale.

With just three issues to go, hopefully the strong writing and art continues to deliver on the promise of the fantastic concept and opening issues.